Rocket and the like



Oct. 19, 1948. c. D. SCHERMULY ETAL ROCKET AND THE LIKE 2 Shee'ts-Sheet 1 Filed May 5, 1947 S w R U O M TMDHR NI E HH WCC m DES U2 MML DMM DD ma 5 NF 0L 4/ 6A 4 .r u W F 7 l. 2 2 2 By their dttorneys v Oct. 19, 1 c. DJSCHERMULY ETAL 2,451,981-

ROCKET AND THE LIKE Filed May 5, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 2- INVENTORS CONRAD DAVID SCHERMULY ALFRED JAMES SCHERMULY CHARLES SCHERMULY By Their attorneys Mal Patented Oct. 19, 1948 PATIENT o F-Fi cE 2 ,451,981 ROCKET. AND IPHE ILIKE Conrad David Schermuly, Alfred James Schermuly, and Charles Scherniuly, Park'gate, Newdigatc, England 9 Claims.

This invention relates to and has for its principal object to provide a rocket having a greater range than those hitherto in use rockets and the like and which is simple in construction and pact in form.

The rocket device according to this invention comprises a single rocket adapted to belfired from a rocket discharger such as a pistol or gun, a plurality of additional rockets arranged forwardly of the single'rocket and an intermediate member by. which a container for the additional rockets is secured to the single rocket, the said intermediate member comprising a sleeve and a disc, the sleeve being secured to the single rocket and having a central aperture and the disc being secured to the container for the additional rockets and having a central aperture and-also a number of further apertures corresponding to the number of additional rockets, the sleeve and disc being secured to each other by suitable webs in which is provided a passage connecting the central apertures in the sleeve and disc.

The invention will hereinafter be described, by wayof example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figures 1 to 4 show a preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 1 showing a section on the line II, Figure 2; Figure 2 showing a section on the line II--II, Figure 1; Figure 3 showing in elevation the intermediate member which unites the rocket units and Figure 4 showing in elevation the complete rocket device with means thereon for making an attachment to an article desired to be carried by the said rockets. Figures 5 and 6 show a modification of the invention, Figure 5 showing a section taken on the line V--V, Figure 6; and Figure 6 showing in elevation the intermediate member assembled to the rocket units.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4 the intermediate member for uniting the rocket units preferably comprises a metal casting l in the form of a circular disc 3 and a sleeve 2, united by webs 4, 5, B and 1 and a conical shaped portion 21, the said sleeve, disc, webs and conical portion being formed from one piece of material. Through the centre of the casting and extending from the sleeve 2 to the disc 3 is a hole 9. The Webs 4, 5, 6 and l are also provided with holes IA in order to reduce the weight of the casting. The disc 3 is also provided with a number of openings ll, l2, l3 and I4 which openings are temporarily closed with fabric or paper A. The edge of the disc is formed into a flange 15. In the recess in disc 3 formed by flange I5 is a wad or layer of gunpowder 20. Suitably secured to the sleeve, for

com-

example, by means of screws 2A, is a rocketlfi or any desired type, the said rocket being adapted to be placed in a pistol or and fi-red therefrom. Suitably secured to the periphery of the disc 3, for example, by means of screws is a casing l'l within which are secured a number "of rockets 1 8; "in the present instance four "such rockets are shown in the drawing. Each of the rockets [8 is. arranged axially with one of the openings ll, 12, 43 or "1 provided in the said disc 3.

In the modification of the invention .shown in Figures 5 and 6, the conical portion 2 1 of the intermediate member 'in Figures 1 to -4 is dispensed with the intermediate member I preferably a metal ca-sting comprising a circular disc 3 and a sleeve '2 united by webs 4 5 and 1- a space 8 being formed between the said webs. The sleeve 2 is 'provi'dedw ith 'a central opening 9 coinciding with the space 8 and thedisc 3 is also provided with a similar op'enin'g t0 axial therewith.

The operation of the two forms of the invention described is similar. The device placed in a suitable discharger and fired therefrom. The operation of firing ignites the charge in the rocket l6 and the gases therefrom propel the device through the air in the well known manner. When the charge in the rocket I6 is nearly exhausted the flame therefrom will pass through the hole 9, Figures 1 to 4, or through the opening 9 in the sleeve 2, the space 8, and the opening In in the disc 3, Figures 5 and 6 to ignite the wad or layer of gunpowder 20 provided on the paper or fabric 20A or face of the disc 3 within the recess formed by the flange l5. In order to ensure the ignition of the wad or layer of gunpowder 20 a fuse [9 may be provided which extends from the rocket I6 through the hole 9, Figures 1 to 4, or through the opening 9 in the sleeve, space 8, and hole III in the disc, Figures 5 and 6, to the layer or wad of gunpowder. As soon as the wad or layer of gunpowder 20 is ignited it will ignite the charge in each of the rockets in the casing I! which rockets will then take over the propulsion of the device. The gases therefrom issue from the holes in the disc 3. In the arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 4 the gases will be deflected by means of the cone-shaped portion 21 of the casting I thereby assisting in stabilising the rocket.

If desired, a number of cases provided with rockets may be secured to the casing I1 and fired in the same manner as this casing is secured to the rocket l6, so that, provided the balance and construction of the device is efficient the arrangement will provide a rocket having a range many times in excess of rockets hitherto used. Furthermore, any desired number of rockets may be secured within the casing ll, each rocket having a corresponding opening in the disc 3 through which the gases therefrom may issue.

The device hereinbefore described is eminently suitable for use as a line throwing rocket in.

which case it is preferred to attach the line by means of the arrangements described and claimed in British specification No. 503,325, corresponding to U. S. Patent No. 2,210,820, dated August 6, 1940, but it will be understood that any other convenient means may be used for attachment. In order to secure the article to be carried by the rockets, lugs 2| and 22 are formed on the rocket casing 16 and lugs 23 and. 24 are formed on the casing I as shown in Figure 4. The lugs 2| and 22 are provided with plain holes and the lugs 23 and 24- are threaded so that rods 25 and 26 may be passed through the lugs 2i and 22 and screwed into the lugs 23 and 2 these rods may correspond to those shown and described in the aforesaid specification No. 503,325. will be understood that the rocket may be used for purposes other than for line throwing.

What we claim is:

1. A rocket device comprising a single-rocket adapted to be fired from a gun, a plurality of additional rockets arranged forwardly of the single rocket and an intermediate member by which the plurality of rockets is secured to the single rocket, the said intermediate member comprising a sleeve and a disc, the sleeve being secured to the single rocket and having a central aperture and the disc being secured to the plurality of rockets and having a central aperture and also a number of further apertures corresponding to the number of additional rockets, the sleeve and disc being secured to each other by suitable webs in which is provided a passage connecting the central apertures in the sleeve and disc.

2. A rocket device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a conical surface is provided between the Furthermore, it l the plurality of rockets.

5. A rocket device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the rear ends of the plurality of rockets rest against the layer of gunpowder.

6. A rocket device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a fuse is provided which extends from the single rocket, through the apertures in the sleeve and disc, to the plurality of rockets.

7'. A rocket device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of further rockets is secured by means of a similar intermediate member to the forward end of the plurality of additional rockets.

8. A rocket device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a line is attached to the single rocket.

8. A rocket device as claimed in claim 1, wherein portions of the webs of the intermediate member are cut away to reduce the weight of the same.

CONRAD DAVID SCHERMULY. ALFRED JAMES SCHERMULY. CHARLES SCHERMULY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

